“If I'm not happy, I'm doing something wrong.”

A key part of this phrase is “I'm”. It's very important that one takes responsibility for what he or she is in charge of. Too many times today, people blame others or other circumstances for their own shortcomings.

Hillel said in the Ethics of Our Fathers “If I am not for myself, who am I?” This phrase shouts out that I have to take care of myself. I can't rely upon anyone else. It is only I who can work for myself for my physical and spiritual well being. It is only I who is to blame if I am not happy. I have free choice. Sometimes my choices lead to prosperity and tranquility. Sometimes my choices lead to difficulties and travails. Yet it was myself who took me there.

For many years I was self-employed and in some ways, even as an employee of an institution, I still am, for I make my own hours in order to get the job done. (Sometimes crazy hours and certainly more than 40 hours a week.) Perhaps I have stayed on this route because I am an individual who takes responsibility seriously and wants to create something on my own. Perhaps I feel that I shouldn't rely upon anyone else, as Hillel said, and feel I have to do the job myself.

Only I can make great things happen in my life. I believe that G-d has endowed me with certain talents upon which I am supposed to capitalize. If I don't, who am I? If not now, then when? If it is to be, it is up to me.